Day of the Seafarer Honoured in Victoria with Arrival of MS Riviera
Traditional Welcome by Chief Jerome Thomas and Remarks by B.C. Minister of Tourism
lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Territory/Victoria, BC, June 24, 2025 – The MS Riviera, a boutique residential cruise ship operated by Oceania Cruises, will make its inaugural call to Victoria on Wednesday, June 25.
The Riviera’s visit coincides with Day of the Seafarer, which recognizes the vital contributions of the world’s 1.5 million seafarers to global trade. Hon. Spencer Chandra Herbert, B.C.’s Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport, will greet the ship’s captain and speak about the importance of the cruise industry to British Columbia. In addition, Chief Jerome Thomas of the Xʷsepsəm Nation and the Esquimalt Nation Singers and Dancers will provide a traditional welcome to lək̓ʷəŋən territory. To show appreciation for the crew, members of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority team will also deliver fresh doughnuts to those working onboard the ship.
GVHA CEO Robert Lewis-Manning will provide brief remarks and present MS Riviera’s captain with a commemorative plaque and a framed print by Coast Salish artist Darlene Gait. The vessel, which carries 1,250 guests and 800 crew, will make eight more calls into Victoria in 2025. For each call, the Riviera’s guests will have up to 12 hours to explore the city.
“As a former seafarer, this day holds personal meaning for me. It’s an opportunity to recognize the dedication, resilience, and sacrifice of those who spend much of their lives at sea. Welcoming the MS Riviera on her inaugural visit to Victoria is not only a celebration of the positive impacts of our cruise industry, it’s a chance to honour the people who make global travel and trade possible.”
The welcome will take place at 1:15pm until 2pm in front of Pier A (next to the Breakwater) at the cruise terminal, outside the restricted security area. Media do not require security clearance to attend.
Built in 2012, MS Riveria is sailing from Seattle to Sitka, Alaska. The Riviera is typically deployed on longer, destination-focused itineraries in Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. This season marks the ship’s deployment to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Victoria’s 2025 cruise season continues until October 18. More than one million passengers and crew will pass through the terminal this year.
Photos of the welcome ceremony will be available upon request.